My Cataract Surgery Fellowship at Arasan Eye Hospital: A Transformative Journey

After concluding medical school and completing a rigorous residency in ophthalmology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, I sought an opportunity to further refine my surgical skills and broaden my exposure to advanced cataract techniques. This pursuit led me to Arasan Eye Hospital. My time there was nothing short of transformative, both professionally and personally. This fellowship was designed with one guiding principle at its core: the delivery of high-quality surgical care. That commitment was evident not only in the volume and diversity of cases but also in the hospital’s outstanding faculty—an accomplished panel of surgeons representing every major ocular subspecialty. Their presence created a rich academic environment where surgical expertise, patient-centered care, and innovation intersected seamlessly.

A Balance of Autonomy and Mentorship

One of the defining strengths of the program is the balance it strikes between autonomy and world-class teaching. From the very beginning, I was entrusted with meaningful surgical responsibility, while also receiving continuous guidance and constructive feedback from highly experienced mentors. This structure cultivated my confidence and independence in the operating room, while reassuring me that expert support was always at hand. The result was rapid yet sustainable professional growth, grounded in accountability and clinical excellence.

A Culture of Learning and Collaboration

Equally inspiring was the collegial atmosphere among fellows. Each day became an exchange of surgical pearls, shared experiences, and honest reflections. We challenged each other, celebrated each other’s progress, and collectively advanced our understanding of ophthalmology. The operating room staff also played a pivotal role in this process. Their exceptional training, efficiency, and teamwork enabled us to perform a high volume of surgeries while maintaining meticulous attention to safety and quality. The smooth orchestration of the OR made every case an opportunity to focus fully on patient care and skill development.

Responsiveness and Innovation in Training

Another hallmark of Arasan Eye Hospital is its receptiveness to feedback. When new technologies or lenses became available, the faculty readily integrated them into the training program, ensuring that both fellows and patients benefitted from innovation. This responsiveness reinforced the hospital’s mission to stay at the forefront of ophthalmic care, and it gave me invaluable exposure to the evolving landscape of cataract surgery and anterior segment management.

Depth of Surgical Experience

The training itself was both intense and rewarding. Depending on my comfort level and progress, the number of surgical cases was steadily increased, allowing me to develop at the right pace. In practice, I was operating every morning of the week, gaining consistent and focused exposure to a wide variety of techniques. My afternoons were spent in continuity clinics, where I followed up with post-operative patients, closing the loop on the learning cycle. Over the course of the fellowship, I gained hands-on experience in phacoemulsification, manual small-incision cataract surgery, secondary intraocular lens implantation, and the management of a wide array of anterior segment complications. By the program’s conclusion, I had developed the confidence and technical mastery to approach complex cases with poise and precision.

For me, this fellowship was more than training—it was a transformation. I leave with the confidence to manage complex anterior segment surgery, the humility to continue learning, and the gratitude of having trained in a place where patient care and surgical excellence truly come first.

Abanoob Tadrosse, MD

Comprehensive ophthalmologist

Cataract surgery specialist

New Jersey, USA